Seat adjusting device and method of providing seat adjustment

ABSTRACT

A seat adjusting device comprises a plurality of inflatable chambers and a valve module. The plurality of inflatable chambers includes a first inflatable chamber and a second inflatable chamber. The valve module comprises a control valve which is a 4/4-way valve having four ports and four positions. A first port of the control valve is in communication with the first inflatable chamber and a second port of the control valve is in communication with the second inflatable chamber.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to a seat adjusting device and to amethod of providing seat adjustment. Embodiments of the invention relatein particular to such seat adjusting devices and methods which utilizecontrol valves to provide pneumatic adjustment of a seat contour.Embodiments of the invention relate to such devices and methods whichmay be used for providing adjustable support in a vehicle seat.

BACKGROUND

Lumbar supports, side supports or other adjustable supports as well asmassage units are frequently provided in seats to enhance an occupant'scomfort when seated on the seat. Lumbar support devices are provided inbackrests in order to provide adequate support in the lumbar vertebralor lordosis region of a person sitting on the seat by forming a suitablesupport surface. Side supports are provided on a backrest and/or on aseat portion to provide adjustable side support. The latter may bedesirable not only to accommodate varying occupant sizes, but also toactively adjust lateral support in response to centrifugal forces.Massage units may be integrated into a seat to stimulate bloodcirculation and/or to further enhance occupant comfort.

Some implementations of seat adjusting devices utilize one or pluralinflatable fluid chambers. The fluid chambers may be configured asinflatable cushions or bladders which change their shape and/or size independence on an amount of fluid contained therein. Examples for seatshaving lumbar support devices implemented using inflatable fluidchambers are described in EP 1 072 465 A1 or in DE 100 63 478 A1. Anadjustment of the adjustable support may be effected by means of apressure source and a suitably configured pneumatic circuit comprisingvalves and connecting members, such as tubes.

While pneumatic elements, such as valves, may enhance life time ofand/or comfort provided by the adjustable support device, suchcomponents may add to installation space and cost. In order to addressproblems associated with installation space, installation time andinstallation cost, a plurality of valves can be assembled to form avalve battery, which may be pre-assembled prior to installation in aseat. DE 44 13 657 C1 describes an example for a valve battery, with onevalve being integrated into each module and plural modules beingcombined to form the valve battery. EP 2 461 046 A1 describes a seatadjusting device which uses a plurality of valves which includes one orseveral 3/3-way valves to attain a significant degree of control overthe various inflatable chambers.

SUMMARY

There is a continued need in the art for seat adjusting devices andmethods in which plural inflatable chambers may be inflated or deflatedin a controlled manner, using a valve module having a small number ofvalves. There is a continued need in the art for a seat adjusting deviceand method which can be readily integrated into a small installationspace.

According to embodiments of the invention, a seat adjusting device and amethod of providing seat adjustment as defined by the independent claimsare provided. The dependent claims define features of furtherembodiments.

According to exemplary embodiments, a seat adjusting device comprises acontrol valve which is configured as a 4/4-way valve, i.e., which hasfour working ports and four positions. A first inflatable chamber is incommunication with a first port of the control valve. A secondinflatable chamber is in communication with a second port of the controlvalve. The control valve may be used to control inflation and deflationof both the first inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber.

According to exemplary embodiments, the control valve may have a thirdport which communicates with a fluid supply channel. In operation, apressurized fluid, in particular gas, may be supplied at the third port.The control valve may have a fourth port which communicates with a fluiddischarge channel. The control valve may be configured such that, in afirst position of the control valve, the first port is in communicationwith the third port, while there is no fluid communication between thefirst port and the fourth port, no fluid communication between thesecond port and the third port, and no fluid communication between thesecond port and the fourth port. The control valve may be configuredsuch that, in a second position of the control valve, the second port isin communication with the third port, while there is no fluidcommunication between the second port and the fourth port, no fluidcommunication between the first port and the third port, and no fluidcommunication between the first port and the fourth port. The controlvalve may be configured such that, in a third position of the controlvalve, the first port is in communication with the fourth port, whilethere is no fluid communication between the second port and the thirdport, and no fluid communication between the second port and the fourthport. The control valve may be configured such that, in a fourthposition of the control valve, the second port is in communication withthe fourth port, while there is no fluid communication between the firstport and the third port, and no fluid communication between the firstport and the fourth port.

The control valve may be configured such that, in each one of the fourpositions of the control valve, there is no fluid communication betweenthe first port and the second port.

According to exemplary embodiments, the control valve may have a firstsolenoid and a second solenoid. The first and second solenoids may beenergized independently from each other, to thereby implement the fourpositions of the valve. The control valve may have a first armaturewhich is displaced against a bias force when the first solenoid issupplied with energy. The control valve may have a second armature whichis displaced against a bias force when the second solenoid is suppliedwith energy. Displacement of each armature may respectively cause one ofthe ports of the control valve to become closed or opened.

A seat adjusting device according to an embodiment comprises a pluralityof inflatable chambers and a valve module. The plurality of inflatablechambers includes a first inflatable chamber and a second inflatablechamber. The valve module comprises a control valve which is a 4/4-wayvalve having four ports and four positions. A first port of the controlvalve is in communication with the first inflatable chamber and a secondport of the control valve is in communication with the second inflatablechamber.

The control valve may comprise an internal channel and a first solenoid.The control valve may be configured such that the internal channel is incommunication with the first port when the first solenoid is deenergizedand that the internal channel is in communication with the second portwhen the first solenoid is energized. The control valve may beconfigured such that the internal channel is not in communication withthe second port when the first solenoid is deenergized and that theinternal channel is not in communication with the first port when thefirst solenoid is energized. By selectively supplying energy to thefirst solenoid, one of the first inflatable chamber and the secondinflatable chamber connected to the control valve may be selected forinflating or deflating.

The control valve may comprise a second solenoid. The control valve maybe configured such that the internal channel is in communication with athird port of the control valve when the second solenoid is deenergizedand that the internal channel is in communication with a fourth port ofthe control valve when the second solenoid is energized. The controlvalve may be configured such that the internal channel is not incommunication with the third port of the control valve when the secondsolenoid is energized and that the internal channel is not incommunication with the fourth port of the control valve when the secondsolenoid is deenergized. By selectively supplying energy to the secondsolenoid, an inflatable chamber may be deflated. By activating apressure fluid source, e.g. a pump, a gas or other fluid may be suppliedto an inflatable chamber when the second solenoid is deenergized.

The third port may be in communication with a fluid supply channel ofthe valve module. The fourth port may be in communication with a fluiddischarge channel of the valve module. In operation, gas or anotherworking fluid may be supplied via the third port to an inflatablechamber through the control valve. Gas or another working fluid may bedischarged from an inflatable chamber through the control valve and viathe fourth port.

The fluid supply channel and the fluid discharge channel may bedelimited by walls of a housing of the valve module.

The seat adjusting device may comprise a pressure fluid source coupledto the fluid supply channel. The pressure fluid source may comprise apump which provides gas under positive pressure to the valve module. Thepressure fluid source may be an air pump. The pressure fluid source mayhave an integrated one-way valve.

The valve module may comprise a fluid supply control valve connectedbetween the fluid supply channel and the pressure fluid source. Thefluid supply control valve may be a 2/2-way control valve. The valvemodule may have plural fluid supply control valves which arerespectively connected between a fluid supply channel and the pressurefluid source.

The control valve may comprise a valve body around which both the firstsolenoid and the second solenoid are wound. The internal channel may beformed in the valve body. First and second armatures may be provided inthe valve body. The valve body may be formed from plastic. The valvebody may be a metal core. The first armature may be biased such that itis displaced in a first direction when the first solenoid is energized.The second armature may be biased such that it is displaced in a seconddirection opposite to the first direction when the second solenoid isenergized. Thereby, the risk of undesired displacement of the firstarmature by energizing the second solenoid, and vice versa, may bemitigated.

The seat adjusting device may comprise a controller for controllingenergy supplied to the first solenoid and the second solenoid. Thecontroller may be configured such that energy supplied to the first andsecond solenoids can be controlled independently for the first solenoidand the second solenoid.

The valve module may have a housing which has plural exterior walls. Thefirst port of the control valve may be in communication with a firstconnector and the second port of the control valve may be incommunication with a second connector. The first connector and thesecond connector may be provided on the same exterior wall of thehousing. The first connector and the second connector may be provided ona planar lateral side wall of the housing.

One of the first inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chambermay be a lumbar support chamber. The other one of the first inflatablechamber and the second inflatable chamber may be a side support chamber.By controlling a side support chamber and a lumbar support chamber usingone 4/4-way valve, the control operations required in normal operationmay be readily implemented with one 4/4-way control valve.

The valve module may comprise only one 4/4-way valve. A fluid pressuresource, e.g. a pump, may be connected to one port of the 4/4-way valve.A check valve may be connected between the one port and the fluidpressure source. Another port of the 4/4-way valve, e.g. the second portof the 4/4-way valve, may be connected to an inflatable chamber. Theinflatable chamber may be integrated in a side bolster, for example.

The valve module may comprise at least one further 4/4-way valve. The atleast one further 4/4-way valve may have a first port in communicationwith another lumbar support chamber and a second port in communicationwith another side support chamber. Thereby, independent control of twoinflatable chambers of a lumbar support and/or of two inflatablechambers of a side support may be realized with a valve module which hastwo 4/4-way valves.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a seat which includesthe seat adjusting device of any aspect or embodiment. The seat may be avehicle seat. At least one of the inflatable chambers may be mounted ata lumbar support region of the seat. At least one of the inflatablechambers may be mounted at a side support of the seat.

According to another embodiment, a method of providing seat adjustmentby controlling a control valve to selectively supply fluid to aplurality of inflatable chambers or to selectively discharge fluid fromthe plurality of inflatable chambers is provided. The method comprisescontrolling a control valve which is a 4/4-way valve having four portsand four positions, a first port of the control valve being incommunication with the first inflatable chamber and a second port of thecontrol valve being in communication with the second inflatable chamber.

The control valve may have a first solenoid and a second solenoid. Thecontrolling may comprises selectively energizing the first solenoidand/or the second solenoid to set the control valve to a desired one ofthe four positions.

Further features of the method and the effects attained therebycorrespond to features of the seat adjusting device of embodiments. Themethod may be performed using the seat adjusting device of any oneaspect or embodiment.

Embodiments of the invention may be used for providing seat adjustmentin seats, in particular in vehicle seats. Embodiments of the inventionmay be used for providing contour adjustment of a seat surface.Embodiments may be used for providing seat adjustments in car seats,without being limited thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a seat having a seat adjusting deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view of a seat adjusting device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a valve module of a seatadjusting device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are sectional views of a control valveof the valve module, showing four positions of the control valve.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a valve module of a seatadjusting device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a valve module of a seatadjusting device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a housing portion of the valve module of FIG.9 which may be used to define fluid channels.

FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are sectional views of a controlvalve of the valve module of FIG. 9, showing four positions of thecontrol valve.

FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are sectional views through a pairof fluid supply control valves of the valve module of FIG. 9, showingthe different positions of a pair of fluid supply control valves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with referenceto the drawings. While some embodiments will be described in the contextof specific fields of application, such as in the context of automotivevehicle seating, the embodiments are not limited to this field ofapplication. The features of the various embodiments may be combinedwith each other unless specifically stated otherwise. In any oneembodiment described herein, the fluid may be a gas. The fluid may inparticular be air. The fluid may be supplied by a pressure fluid sourcewhich may be a pump. According to conventional terminology in thisfield, two elements are referred to as being “in communication” witheach other when the fluid can flow between the two elements.

According to embodiments, a seat adjusting device is provided which usesa 4/4-way control valve. According to conventional pneumaticnomenclature, the term X/Y-control valve, with X and Y being integers,refers to a valve which has X ports and Y positions. Accordingly, acontrol valve which is configured as a 4/4-way valve has four ports andfour positions. As will be described in more detail with reference tothe drawings, such a 4/4-way valve may be used to selectively inflate ordeflate a first inflatable chamber and a second inflatable chamber. Theinflatable chambers may be resilient bladders or other resilient memberswhich may be installed in a seat. The inflatable chambers may beinstalled such that seat surface contour changes as the inflatablechamber are inflated or deflated. As will be explained in more detailbelow, a great degree of control over the inflatable chambers may beattained by using a valve module which includes at least one 4/4-wayvalve, while keeping the total count of valves moderate. Forillustration, a total of four inflatable chambers provided in a lumbarsupport and/or side support region of the seat may be controlled usingtwo 4/4-way control valves. Two inflatable chambers may both be inflatedand deflated through the same 4/4-way valve.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle seat 1 having a seat adjustingdevice according to an embodiment. The seat adjusting device includesinflatable fluid chambers configured as bladders. Some of the bladdersmay be such that it may be desirable to selectively increase, decreaseor hold an amount of fluid introduced thereinto. This may be desirablewhen the bladder constitutes a mechanism for adjusting a seat contourover extended time periods, such as an adjustable lumbar support.Alternatively or additionally, some of the bladders may be configuredsuch that the amount of fluid introduced thereinto is increased ordecreased during operation, while the amount of fluid does not need tobe kept constant at a pressure greater than ambient pressure overextended time period. This may be desirable for bladders constituting,for example, massage units where pressure in the bladders iscontinuously adjusted.

For illustration rather than limitation, the seat 1 includes anadjustable lumbar support and an adjustable side support. The lumbarsupport includes inflatable fluid chambers, which are configured asinflatable bladders 2, 3. The bladders 2, 3 are configured to changetheir exterior dimensions when a fluid pressure in the respectivebladder is adjusted. Bladders 2, 3 are provided at a lower portion ofthe backrest of the vehicle seat 1 and are offset relative to each otherin a longitudinal direction of the backrest. By inflating or deflatingall bladders 2, 3, the amount of curvature in the lower backrest portionmay be adjusted. By inflating one of the bladders 2, 3 while deflatinganother one, the apex position may be shifted. Thereby, a four-waylumbar support device may be implemented. The side support unit includesa pair of bladders 4, 5 arranged on lateral sides of the seat 1. While alumbar support device and side support unit are shown in FIG. 1, theseat 1 may alternatively or additionally include seat adjusting devicesarranged at other locations. Some of the bladders 2-5 illustrated inFIG. 1 may also be omitted. For illustration, instead of or in additionto the lumbar support device, bladders may be provided in the seat partbelow the user's thighs to provide massage functions.

The seat adjusting device further includes a pressure fluid source 7, avalve module 10, a control circuit 8 and a manual control device 9. Thepressure fluid source 7 is configured to provide a fluid, in particulara gas, to the valve module 10 at positive pressure. The pressure fluidsource 7 may include a pump which supplies gas to the valve module 10.The valve module 10 is configured to receive the gas provided by thepressure fluid source 7 and to supply the gas to bladders installed inthe seat 1. Actuation of the pressure fluid source 7 and of the valvemodule 10 may be controlled by the control circuit 8 which iselectrically connected to the pressure fluid source 7 and the valvemodule 10. Control signals may be generated by the control circuit 8 inresponse to an adjustment made at the manual control device 9, forexample. Alternatively, control signals may be generated by the controlcircuit 8 in response to a user identification or user profile receivedfrom a vehicular board network.

The valve module 10 includes a plurality of valves. The valves may bearranged in a housing of the valve module 10. The valve module 10 mayinclude at least on control valve configured as 4/4-way valve. The valvemodule 10 may include at least two 4/4-way valves 11, 12. Inimplementations, a 4/4-way valve 11 may be provided for supplying fluidto a lumbar support bladder and to a side support bladder. Another4/4-way valve 12 may be provided for supplying fluid to another lumbarsupport bladder and to a side support bladder. The valve module 10 mayoptionally include other control valves or other valves, such as checkvalves.

FIG. 2 illustrates a seat adjusting device 19 of an embodiment in astate in which it is not mounted to the seat 1.

The configuration of the valve module 10 in seat adjusting devicesaccording to exemplary embodiments will next be described with referenceto FIG. 3 to FIG. 18.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the valve module 10. The valvemodule 10 includes a housing having a main housing portion 22, an endportion 21, and a closure plate 23. The valve module 10 includes acontrol valve 40 which is configured as a 4/4-way valve. The valvemodule 10 may include a second control valve 60 configured as a 4/4-wayvalve. The valve module 10 may include a circuit board 29, to which thecontrol valve 40 and the second control valve 60 may be attached usingfasteners. The circuit board 29 has connectors for energizing thecontrol valve 40 and the second control valve 60 and/or for supplyingpower and control signals to the control valve 40 and the second controlvalve 60.

The control valve 40 has a first port 41, a second port 42, a third port43, and a fourth port 44. The first port 41 may be in communication witha first inflatable chamber, e.g. with a lumbar support bladder. Thesecond port 42 may be in communication with a second inflatable chamber,e.g. with a side support bladder. The third port 43 may be incommunication with a fluid supply channel. The fluid supply channel maybe formed by a tube, e.g. a plastic tube as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,which connects the pressure fluid source 7 to a connector 33 associatedwith the third port 43. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid supplychannel may also include a section formed within the housing of thevalve module. The fourth port 44 may be in communication with a fluiddischarge opening 34 of the valve module 10. The fourth port 44 may bein communication with the fluid discharge opening 34 via a fluiddischarge channel 26. The fluid discharge channel 26 may be defined bythe main housing portion 22 and the end plate 23.

A first connector 31 for attachment of a tube or other fluid guide maybe associated with the first port 41 of the control valve 40. A secondconnector 32 for attachment of a tube or other fluid guide may beassociated with the second port 42 of the control valve 40. A fluidchannel 25 may be formed in the housing of the valve module forcommunication between the second port 42 and the second connector 32.When the valve module 10 is used in a seat adjusting device, a firsttube may be attached to the first connector 31 for communication betweenthe first port 41 and the first inflatable chamber. A second tube may beattached to the second connector 32 for communication between the secondport 42 and the second inflatable chamber. The fluid channel 25, thefirst port 41 and the second port 42 may be arranged such that the firstconnect- or 31 and the second connector 32 may be provided on the sameside wall 24 of the housing of the valve module 10. The fluid supplyopening 33 may be provided on an opposing side wall of the housing ofthe valve module 10. Thereby, the required connections can beestablished with moderate overall bending of tubes which connect thevarious elements of the seat adjusting device.

The second control valve 60 which is also a 4/4-way valve may have thesame configuration as the control valve 40. In particular, the secondcontrol valve 60 may have has a first port 61, a second port 62, a thirdport 63, and a fourth port 64 which are operative as described withreference to the control valve 40.

The valve module 10 may include additional elements. For illustration, aseal member 71 may be provided to establish a fluid-tight connectionbetween the first port 41 and the first connector 31. Another sealmember 73 may be provided to establish a fluid-tight connection betweenthe third port 43 and the fluid supply opening 33. Another seal member72 may be interposed between a valve body of the control valve 40 andthe main housing portion 22, to provide a fluid-tight connection betweenthe second port 42 and the fluid channel 25 and/or to provide afluid-tight connection between the fourth port 44 and the fluiddischarge channel 26. A further seal member 74 may be integrated intothe housing of the valve module 10. One pressure sensor 75 or severalpressure sensors 75 may be integrated into the housing of the valvemodule. A pressure sensor may be provided in fluid communication withthe first port and/or the second port of at least one control valve forsensing the pressure in the first inflatable chamber and/or the secondinflatable chamber. The same pressure sensor may be used to sensepressure at the first port and at the second port, depending on theposition of the control valve. Another pressure sensor may be providedfor sensing a pressure supplied by a fluid pressure source.

The first port 41 may be in communication with a first inflatablechamber, e.g. with a lumbar support bladder. The second port 42 may bein communication with a second inflatable chamber, e.g. with a sidesupport bladder. The third port 43 may be in communication with a fluidsupply channel. The fluid supply channel may be formed by a tube, e.g. aplastic tube as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, which connects the pressurefluid source 7 to a connector 33 associated with the third port 43.Alternatively or additionally, the fluid supply channel may also includea channel formed within the housing of the valve module 10. The fourthport 44 may be in communication with a fluid discharge opening 34 of thevalve module 10. The fourth port 44 may be in communication with thefluid discharge opening 34 via a fluid discharge channel 26. The fluiddischarge channel 26 may be defined by the main housing portion 22 andthe end plate 23. A separate fluid supply opening may be provided forthe second control valve 60. In this case, two separate tubes may beused to supply gas or another working fluid to the control valve 40 andthe second control valve 60. Both tubes may be connected to the samepump. Alternatively, the third port 43 of the control valve 40 and thethird port 63 of the second control valve 60 may both be incommunication with the same fluid supply opening of the valve module.

The control valve 40 and the second control valve 60 respectively havefour working positions. The operation of the control valve 40 will bedescribed in more detail below, it being understood that the secondcontrol valve 60 may operate in the same way and may have the sameconfiguration.

The control valve 40 has a first position. In the first position, thefirst port 41 may be in communication with the third port 43, while thesecond port 42 is not in communication with the third port 43. In thefirst position, the first port 41 and the second port 42 may be not incommunication with the fourth port 44. When the control valve 40 is setto the first position and the pressure fluid source 7 does not supplygas or another working fluid, the fluid pressure in the first and secondinflatable chambers can be kept constant. When the control valve 40 isset to the first position and the pressure fluid source 7 is activated,the first inflatable chamber is inflated while the fluid pressure in thesecond inflatable chamber can be kept constant.

The control valve 40 has a second position. In the second position, thesecond port 42 may be in communication with the third port 43, while thefirst port 41 is not in communication with the third port 43. In thesecond position, the first port 41 and the second port 42 may be not incommunication with the fourth port 44. When the control valve 40 is setto the second position and the pressure fluid source 7 does not supplygas or another working fluid, the fluid pressure in the first and secondinflatable chambers can be kept constant. When the control valve 40 isset to the second position and the pressure fluid source 7 is activated,the second inflatable chamber is inflated while the fluid pressure inthe first inflatable chamber can be kept constant.

The control valve 40 has a third position. In the third position, thefirst port 41 may be in communication with the fourth port 44, while thesecond port 42 is not in communication with the fourth port 44. In thethird position, the first port 41 and the second port 42 may be not incommunication with the third port 43. When the control valve 40 is setto the third position, the first inflatable chamber is deflated, withfluid flowing from the first port 41 to the fourth port 44 through thecontrol valve 40. When the control valve 40 is set to the thirdposition, the fluid pressure in the second inflatable chamber can bekept constant.

The control valve 40 has a fourth position. In the fourth position, thesecond port 42 may be in communication with the fourth port 44, whilethe first port 41 is not in communication with the fourth port 44. Inthe fourth position, the second port 42 and the first port 41 may be notin communication with the third port 43. When the control valve 40 isset to the fourth position, the second inflatable chamber is deflated,with fluid flowing from the second port 42 to the fourth port 44 throughthe control valve 40. When the control valve 40 is set to the fourthposition, the fluid pressure in the second inflatable chamber can bekept constant.

A check valve or other one-way valve which prevents fluid from flowingfrom the first port 43 to the pressure fluid source may be provided. Theone-way valve may be provided within the valve module 10. The one-wayvalve may also be provided at another suitable location. The one-wayvalve may be integrated into the pump which supplies gas to the valvemodule. Thereby, an undesired deflation of the first and secondinflatable chambers can be prevented when the pressure fluid source 7 isnot activated. Instead of or in addition to a one-way valve, a fluidsupply control valve which may be a 2/2-way valve may be used toselectively bring the pressure fluid source 7 into communication withthe first port or to terminate this communication.

Using the control valve 40 with the above configuration and operation,the following operations can be performed: To maintain the fluidpressure in the first and second inflatable chambers, the control valve40 may be set to the first position while the pressure fluid source 7 isnot activated. To inflate the first inflatable chamber (e.g. a lumbarsupport bladder) while maintaining the fluid pressure in the secondinflatable chamber (e.g. a side support bladder), the control valve 40may be set to the first position and the pressure fluid source 7 may beactivated. To inflate the second inflatable chamber while maintainingthe fluid pressure in the first inflatable chamber, the control valve 40may be set to the second position and the pressure fluid source 7 may beactivated. To deflate the first inflatable chamber while maintaining thefluid pressure in the second inflatable chamber, the control valve 40may be set to the third position. To deflate the second inflatablechamber while maintaining the fluid pressure in the first inflatablechamber the control valve 40 may be set to the fourth position.

Various configurations of the control valve 40 may be used to implement4/4-way valve functionality. A configuration will be explained in moredetail with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 7. The control valve 40 mayinclude a first solenoid 51 and a second solenoid 52. By selectivelyenergizing or deenergizing the first solenoid 51 and the second solenoid52, a total of four different valve positions may be realized.

FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 show cross-sectional views along an axial direction ofthe control valve 40. The control valve 40 having this configuration maybe used as control valve in a seat adjusting device of an embodiment.Generally, the control valve 40 includes a valve body. A valve body 50which may be formed from plastic or from metal may extend along theaxial direction of the control valve 40. The first solenoid 51 and thesecond solenoid 52 may be arranged on the valve body 50. The firstsolenoid 51 and the second solenoid 52 may be wound around the valvebody 50. The control valve 40 has an internal channel 59. The internalchannel 59 may be formed in the valve body 50.

The control valve 40 may have a first element 53 which is displaceableunder the action of the first solenoid 51. The first element 53 may be afirst armature. The first element 53 may comprise or may be formed froma magnetic material, e.g. from a paramagnetic or ferromagnetic material.The first element 53 may be biased by a first bias means 55. The firstbias means 55 may be a first spring. The first element 53 mayselectively engage a first sealing area 45 associated with the firstport 41 or a second sealing area 46 associated with the second port 42.When the first solenoid 51 is deenergized, the first bias means 55forces the first element 53 against the second sealing area 46. Thereby,communication between the internal channel 59 and the second port 42 isinterrupted, while the first port 41 communicates with the internalchannel 59. When the first solenoid 51 is energized, the first element53 is displaced against the force of the first bias means 55, is engagedwith the first sealing area 45 and disengages from the second sealingarea 46. Thereby, communication between the internal channel 59 and thesecond port 42 is established, while communication between the firstport 41 and the internal channel 59 is interrupted. The first element 53may have a first head at a first axial end for engaging the firstsealing area 45. The first element 53 may have a second head at a secondaxial end for engaging the second sealing area 46. The first and secondsealing areas 45, 46 may respectively include a projection which extendscircumferentially about the respective valve port.

The control valve may have a second element 54 which is displaceableunder the action of the second solenoid 52. The second element 54 may bea second armature. The second element 54 may comprise or may be formedfrom a magnetic material, e.g. from a paramagnetic or ferromagneticmaterial. The second element 54 may be biased by a second bias means 56.The second bias means 56 may be a second spring. The second element 54may selectively engage a third sealing area 47 associated with the thirdport 43 or a fourth sealing area 48 associated with the fourth port 44.When the second solenoid 52 is deenergized, the second bias means 56forces the second element 54 against the fourth sealing area 48, whilethe second element 54 is disengaged from the third sealing area 47.Thereby, communication between the internal channel 59 and the fourthport 44 is interrupted, while the third port 43 communicates with theinternal channel 59. When the second solenoid 52 is energized, thesecond element 54 is displaced against the force of the second biasmeans 56, is engaged with the third sealing area 47 and disengages fromthe fourth sealing area 48. Thereby, communication between the internalchannel 59 and the fourth port 44 is established, while communicationbetween the third port 43 and the internal channel 59 is interrupted.The second element 54 may have a first head at a first axial end forengaging the third sealing area 47. The second element 54 may have asecond head at a second axial end for engaging the fourth sealing area48. The third and fourth sealing areas 47, 48 may respectively include aprojection which extends circumferentially about an inner end of therespective valve port.

In the control valve 40 having such a configuration, the first solenoid51 is operative to select one of the first port 41 and the second port42 for an inflation or deflation operation. The second solenoid 52 isoperative to select between a communication with the third port 43 forinflation (pressure fluid source 7 activated) or maintaining pressure(pressure fluid source 7 not activated) and a communication with thefourth port 44 for deflation. The second solenoid 52, associatedarmature 54 and arrangement of the third port 43 and fourth port 44 maybe selected such that communication with the fourth port 44 fordeflation is established only when the second solenoid 52 is energized.

FIG. 4 shows the control valve 40 when the first solenoid 51 and thesecond solenoid 52 are deenergized. This corresponds to the firstposition of the control valve 40. The first port 41 is in communicationwith the third port 43 but not with the fourth port 44, while the secondport 42 is not in communication with the third port 43 and is not incommunication with the fourth port 44. FIG. 5 shows the control valve 40when the first solenoid 51 is energized and the second solenoid 52 isdeenergized. This corresponds to the second position of the controlvalve 40. The second port 42 is in communication with the third port 43but not with the fourth port 44, while the first port 41 is not incommunication with the third port 43 and is not in communication withthe fourth port 44. FIG. 7 shows the control valve 40 when the firstsolenoid 51 is deenergized and the second solenoid 52 is energized. Thiscorresponds to the third position of the control valve 40. The firstport 41 is in communication with the fourth port 44 but not with thethird port 43, while the second port 42 is not in communication with thethird port 43 and is not in communication with the fourth port 44. FIG.6 shows the control valve 40 when the first solenoid 51 is energized andthe second solenoid 52 is energized. This corresponds to the fourthposition of the control valve 40. The second port 42 is in communicationwith the fourth port 44 but not with the third port 43, while the firstport 41 is not in communication with the third port 43 and is not incommunication with the fourth port 44.

While the operation and a configuration of the control valve 40 of anexemplary embodiment were described in detail, the second control valve60 may have an identical operation and configuration. It will beappreciated that the seat adjusting device which includes the valvemodule 10 also allows both side support bladders to be inflatedsimultaneously via the control valve 40 and the second control valve 60,with each one of the control valve 40 and the second control valve 60supplying gas or another working fluid to an associated side supportbladder. Alternatively or additionally, the seat adjusting device whichincludes the valve module 10 also allows both lumbar support bladders tobe inflated simultaneously via the control valve 40 and the secondcontrol valve 60, with each one of the control valve 40 and the secondcontrol valve 60 supplying gas or another working fluid to an associatedlumbar support bladder. Fluid exchange between inflatable chambers maybe prevented.

Additional valves may be used in the seat adjusting device to provideeven further enhanced levels of control. For illustration, at least one2/2-way control valve may be integrated into the valve module. The2/2-way control valve may be connected to a fluid supply channel or afluid discharge channel of at least one of the control valve 40 and thesecond control valve 60. By using such a 2/2-way control valve,individual control of the various inflatable chambers may be enhanced.

It is also possible to use a valve module having just one 4/4-way valve,or to otherwise use a 4/4-way valve for controlling the fluid in aninflatable chamber. For illustration, a pressure fluid source may beconnected to one port of the 4/4-way valve. An inflatable chamber may beconnected to another port of the 4/4-way valve. The inflatable chambermay be integrated into a side bolster, for example.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a valve module 10 which may beused in a seat adjusting device of another embodiment. The valve module10 includes at least one 4/4-way control valve. The valve module 10 mayinclude a control valve 40 and second control valve 60 configured asexplained with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 7.

The valve module 10 includes a first additional control valve 81 whichmay be a 2/2-way control valve. The first additional control valve 81may be connected between a third port of one of the 4/4-way controlvalves 40, 60 and a fluid supply opening of the valve module 10. Thefirst additional control valve 81 may be connected between a fourth portof one of the 4/4-way control valves 40, 60 and a fluid dischargeopening of the valve module 10. The second additional control valve 82may be connected between a third port of the other one of the 4/4-waycontrol valves 40, 60 and a fluid supply opening of the valve module 10.The second additional control valve 82 may be connected between a fourthport of the other one of the 4/4-way control valves 40, 60 and a fluiddischarge opening of the valve module 10. Communication between ports ofthe additional control valve(s) 81, 82 and ports of the 4/4-way controlvalves 40, 60 may be established by channels formed by the housing ofthe valve module 10. For illustration, a surface 83 of the main housingportion 22 which faces the end plate 23 may have concavities to definechannels which connect ports of the additional control valve(s) 81, 82and ports of the 4/4-way control valves 40, 60.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a valve module 10 which may beused in a seat adjusting device of another embodiment. The valve module10 includes at least one 4/4-way control valve. The valve module 10 mayinclude a control valve 140 which is a 4/4-way control valve. The valvemodule 10 may include a second control valve 160 which is a 4/4-waycontrol valve. The positions and operation of the control valve 140 andthe second control valve 160 are similar to the ones of the controlvalve 40 and will be explained in more detail below.

The valve module 10 includes a first fluid supply control valve 101. Thefirst fluid supply control valve 101 may be a 2/2-way valve. The firstfluid supply control valve 101 may be operative to control fluid flowfrom the pressure fluid source 7 to the control valve 140. The valvemodule 10 includes a second fluid supply control valve 102. The secondfluid supply control valve 102 may be a 2/2-way valve. The second fluidsupply control valve 102 may be operative to control fluid flow from thepressure fluid source 7 to the second control valve 160. The first fluidsupply control valve 101, the second fluid supply control valve 102, thecontrol valve 140 and the second control valve 160 may be attached tothe circuit board 29. Control of the first fluid supply control valve101, the second fluid supply control valve 102, the control valve 140and the second control valve 160 may be attained by electrical signalsand/or electrical power supply through the circuit board 29.

The housing of the valve module 10 may define a fluid supply channel forestablishing fluid communication between an outlet port of the firstfluid supply control valve 101 and a third port 143 of the control valve140. The housing of the valve module 10 may define a fluid supplychannel for establishing fluid communication between an outlet port ofthe second fluid supply control valve 102 and a third port of the secondcontrol valve 160. To this end, a surface 91 of the main housing portion22 which faces the end plate 23 may have recesses that define channels.The channels may also establish fluid communication between a fluidsupply opening 93 of the valve module and an inlet port of the first andsecond fluid supply control valves 101, 102. The surface 91 of the mainhousing portion 22 may also have one or several discharge openings 94for passage of fluid that is discharged. A configuration of channels inone implementation is explained in more detail with reference to FIG.10.

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the surface 91 of the main housing portion22. The surface 91 may include a recess 95 which defines a channelthrough which fluid received at the fluid supply opening 93 is guided tothe inlet port of the first and second fluid supply control valves 101,102. The surface 91 may include a recess 96 which defines a channelthrough which gas can flow from the outlet port of the first fluidsupply control valve 101 to the third port of the control valve 140. Thesurface 91 may include a recess 97 which defines a channel through whichgas can flow from the outlet port of the second fluid supply controlvalve 102 to the third port of the second control valve 160. Additionalchannels may be incorporated into the housing of the valve module. Forillustration, a recess 92 formed in the surface 91 may define a channelthrough which fluid can flow between a second port of the control valve140 and the second connector 32, for inflation or deflation of thesecond inflatable chamber. For further illustration, a recess 98 may beformed in the surface 91 through which gas discharged from a fourth portof the control valve 140 may flow to a discharge opening 94.

Operation of the control valve 140 and the second control valve 160 anda configuration of the control valve 140 and the second control valve160 will be explained in more detail next.

The control valve 140 has a first position as shown in FIG. 11. In thefirst position, the first port 141 may be in communication with thethird port 143, while the second port 142 is not in communication withthe third port 143. In the first position, the first port 141 and thesecond port 142 may be not in communication with the fourth port 144.When the control valve 140 is set to the first position and the firstfluid supply control valve 101 is in a closed state in which it does notpass gas or another working fluid to the third port 143, the fluidpressure in the first and second inflatable chambers can be keptconstant. When the control valve 140 is set to the first position, thepressure fluid source 7 is activated, and the first fluid supply controlvalve 101 is set to an open state in which it passes fluid received fromthe pressure fluid source 7 at the input port 103 to the output port104, the first inflatable chamber is inflated while the fluid pressurein the second inflatable chamber can be kept constant.

The control valve 140 has a second position as shown in FIG. 12. In thesecond position, the second port 142 may be in communication with thethird port 143, while the first port 141 is not in communication withthe third port 143. In the second position, the first port 141 and thesecond port 142 may be not in communication with the fourth port 144.When the control valve 140 is set to the second position and the firstfluid supply control valve 101 is set to the closed state in which itdoes no pass gas or another working fluid to the third port 143, thefluid pressure in the first and second inflatable chambers can be keptconstant. When the control valve 140 is set to the first position, thepressure fluid source 7 is activated, and the first fluid supply controlvalve 101 is set to the open state in which it passes fluid receivedfrom the pressure fluid source 7 at the input port 103 to the outputport 104, the second inflatable chamber is inflated while the fluidpressure in the first inflatable chamber can be kept constant.

The control valve 140 has a third position as shown in FIG. 13. In thethird position, the first port 141 may be in communication with thefourth port 144, while the second port 142 is not in communication withthe fourth port 144. It is not required that, when the control valve 140is in the third position, the first port 141 and the second port 142 aredisconnected from the third port 143, because discharge of fluid towardsthe pressure fluid source may be prevented by setting the first fluidsupply control valve 101 to the closed state in which gas is preventedfrom flowing between the input port 103 and the output port 104. Whenthe control valve 140 is set to the third position, the first inflatablechamber is deflated, with fluid flowing from the first port 141 to thefourth port 144 through the control valve 140. When the control valve140 is set to the third position, the fluid pressure in the secondinflatable chamber can be kept constant.

The control valve 140 has a fourth position as shown in FIG. 14. In thefourth position, the second port 142 may be in communication with thefourth port 144, while the first port 141 is not in communication withthe fourth port 144. It is not required that, when the control valve 140is in the fourth position, the first port 141 and the second port 142are disconnected from the third port 143, because discharge of fluidtowards the pressure fluid source may be prevented by setting the firstfluid supply control valve 101 to the closed state. When the controlvalve 140 is set to the fourth position, the second inflatable chamberis deflated, with fluid flowing from the second port 142 to the fourthport 144 through the control valve 140. When the control valve 140 isset to the fourth position, the fluid pressure in the first inflatablechamber can be kept constant.

The operation and configuration of the second control valve 160 andassociated second fluid supply control valve 102 may be the same as thatof the control valve 140 and associated first fluid supply control valve101.

Since the fluid supply control valves 101, 102 can be used toselectively pass fluid to the control valve 140 and/or the secondcontrol valve 160, no separate check valve must be provided to preventfluid from flowing through the third port 143 of the control valve 140towards the pressure fluid source 7. Rather, setting the fluid supplycontrol valve 101 or 102 to the closed state may prevent undesireddeflation.

The control valve 140 may include a first solenoid 51 to displace afirst armature 53 and a second solenoid 52 to displace a second armature54, similarly to the configuration of the control valve 40. Byselectively energizing or deenergizing the first solenoid 51 and thesecond solenoid 52, a total of four different valve positions may berealized.

FIG. 11 to FIG. 14 show cross-sectional view along an axial direction ofthe control valve 140. The control valve 140 having this configurationmay be used as control valve in a seat adjusting device of anembodiment. Generally, the control valve 140 includes a valve body. Avalve body 50 which may be formed from plastic or from metal may extendalong the axial direction of the control valve 140. The first solenoid51 and the second solenoid 52 may be arranged on the valve body 50. Thefirst solenoid 51 and the second solenoid 52 may be wound around thevalve body 50. The control valve 140 has an internal channel 59. Theinternal channel 59 may be formed in the valve body 50.

The control valve 140 may have a first element 53 which is displaceableunder the action of the first solenoid 51. The operation andconfiguration of the first solenoid 51 and first element 53 may be asdescribed with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 7. In particular, byenergizing or deenergizing the first solenoid 51, one of the firstinflatable chamber connected to the first port 141 or the secondinflatable chamber connected to the second port 142 may be selected forinflation or deflation. The control valve 140 may have a second element54 which is displaceable under the action of the second solenoid 52. Thesecond element 54 may be an armature. A bias means 56, which may be aspring, may bias the second element 54 against a fourth sealing area 48.When the second solenoid 52 is energized, the second element 54 isdisplaced against the force of the bias means 56 to establish acommunication between the fourth port 144 and one of the first andsecond ports 141, 142. It is not required to selectively open or closethe third port 143. Fluid flow from the pressure fluid source 7 may beallowed using the fluid supply control valve 101, and fluid flow towardsthe pressure fluid source 7 may be suppressed by setting the fluidsupply control valve 101 to the closed state.

In the control valve 140 having such a configuration, the first solenoid51 is operative to select one of the first port 141 and the second port142 for an inflation or deflation operation. The second solenoid 52 isoperative to select between a communication with the third port 143 forinflation (pressure fluid source 7 activated and first fluid supplycontrol valve 101 set to the open state) or maintaining pressure(pressure fluid source 7 not activated and/or first fluid supply controlvalve 102 set to the closed state) and a communication with the fourthport 144 for deflation.

FIG. 11 shows the control valve 140 when the first solenoid 51 and thesecond solenoid 52 are deenergized. This corresponds to the firstposition of the control valve 140. The first port 141 is incommunication with the third port 143 but not with the fourth port 144,while the second port 142 is not in communication with the third port143 and is not in communication with the fourth port 144. FIG. 12 showsthe control valve 140 when the first solenoid 51 is energized and thesecond solenoid 52 is deenergized. This corresponds to the secondposition of the control valve 140. The second port 142 is incommunication with the third port 143 but not with the fourth port 144,while the first port 141 is not in communication with the third port 143and is not in communication with the fourth port 144. FIG. 13 shows thecontrol valve 140 when the first solenoid 51 is deenergized and thesecond solenoid 52 is energized. This corresponds to the third positionof the control valve 140. The first port 141 is in communication withthe fourth port 144, while the second port 142 is not in communicationwith the third port 143 and is not in communication with the fourth port144. FIG. 14 shows the control valve 140 when the first solenoid 51 isenergized and the second solenoid 52 is energized. This corresponds tothe fourth position of the control valve 140. The second port 142 is incommunication with the fourth port 144, while the first port 141 is notin communication with the third port 143 and is not in communicationwith the fourth port 144.

The first fluid supply control valve 101 and the second fluid supplycontrol valve 102 may be combined into one constructional unit. Onepossible configuration of the first fluid supply control valve 101 andthe second fluid supply control valve 102 is illustrated in FIG. 15 toFIG. 18 which show a cross-sectional view through the pair of fluidsupply control valves 101, 102. The outer dimensions of the pair offluid supply control valves 101, 102 may match the outer dimensions ofthe control valve 140 and with the outer dimensions of the secondcontrol valve 160. Further, the relative positions of the inlet port 103of the fluid supply control valves 101, 102, of the outlet port 104 ofthe first fluid supply control valve 101 and of the outlet port 105 ofthe second fluid supply control valve 102 may be the same as therelative positions of the third port 143, fourth port 144 and secondport 142 on the control valve 140 and the second control valve 160.Thereby, modular assembly and combination into different valve modulesis enhanced.

The first fluid supply control valve 101 and the second fluid supplycontrol valve 102 may be actuated independently from each other. Thefirst fluid supply control valve 101 may include a first solenoid 111. Afirst bias means 115 may bias a first element 113 against a firstsealing area 106. The first element 113 may be a first armature and maybe formed from magnetic material, e.g. from paramagnetic orferromagnetic material. In this deenergized condition of the firstsolenoid 111, there is no fluid communication between the inlet port 103and the outlet port 104 of the first fluid supply control valve 101.When the first solenoid 111 is energized, the first element 113 isdisplaced against the force of the first bias means 115 and disengagesfrom the first sealing area 106. Thereby, communication is establishedbetween the inlet port 103 and the outlet port 104.

The second fluid supply control valve 102 may have a correspondingconfiguration. The second fluid supply control valve 102 may include asecond solenoid 112. A second bias means 116 may bias a second element114 against a second sealing area 107. The second element 114 may be asecond armature and may be formed from magnetic material, e.g. fromparamagnetic or ferromagnetic material. In this deenergized condition ofthe second solenoid 112, there is no fluid communication between theinlet port 103 and the outlet port 105 of the second fluid supplycontrol valve 102. When the second solenoid 112 is energized, the secondelement 114 is displaced against the force of the second bias means 116and disengages from the second sealing area 107. Thereby, communicationis established between the inlet port 103 and the outlet port 105.

The first fluid supply control valve 101 and the second fluid supplycontrol valve 102 can be controlled by energizing or deenergizing thefirst solenoid 111 and second solenoid 112. The first fluid supplycontrol valve 101 and the second fluid supply control valve 102 may becontrolled to selectively pass gas or another working fluid to thecontrol valve 140 and/or to the second control valve 160. In combinationwith control of the control valve 140 and/or the second control valve160, it is possible to individually address each one of four inflatablefluid chambers such that each inflatable fluid chamber can beindividually inflated or deflated. For illustration, by energizing thefirst solenoid 111 of the first fluid supply control valve 101, gas oranother working fluid can be passed to the control valve 140. Byenergizing or deenergizing the first solenoid 51 of the control valve140, either the first inflatable chamber communicating with the firstport 141 or the second inflatable chamber communicating with the secondport 142 can be inflated. Similarly, by energizing the second solenoid112 of the second fluid supply control valve 102, gas or another workingfluid can be passed to the second control valve 160. By energizing ordeenergizing the first solenoid of the second control valve 160, eitherthe inflatable chamber communicating with the first port or theinflatable chamber communicating with the second port of the secondcontrol valve 160 can be inflated.

FIG. 15 to FIG. 18 show different states of the pair of the first fluidsupply control valve 101 and the second fluid supply control valve 102.FIG. 15 shows a state in which the first fluid supply control valve 101and the second fluid supply control valve 102 are closed. Such a statecan be attained by deenergizing the first solenoid 111 of the firstfluid supply control valve 101 and the second solenoid 112 of the secondfluid supply control valve 102. Such a state may be used when none ofthe inflatable chambers of the seat adjusting device is to be inflated.FIG. 16 shows a state in which the first fluid supply control valve 101is open such that the inlet port 103 communicates with the outlet port104, and the second fluid supply control valve 102 is closed. Such astate can be attained by energizing the first solenoid 111 of the firstfluid supply control valve 101 and deenergizing the second solenoid 112of the second fluid supply control valve 102. Such a state may be usedwhen one of the inflatable chambers which is in communication with thecontrol valve 140 is to be inflated. FIG. 17 shows a state in which thefirst fluid supply control valve 101 is closed and the second fluidsupply control valve 102 is open, such that the inlet port 103communicates with the outlet port 105. Such a state can be attained bydeenergizing the first solenoid 111 of the first fluid supply controlvalve 101 and energizing the second solenoid 112 of the second fluidsupply control valve 102. Such a state may be used when one of theinflatable chambers which is in communication with the second controlvalve 160 is to be inflated. FIG. 18 shows a state in which the firstfluid supply control valve 101 and the second fluid supply control valve102 are open, such that the inlet port 103 communicates with the outletport 104 and with the outlet port 105. Such a state can be attained byenergizing the first solenoid 111 of the first fluid supply controlvalve 101 and the second solenoid 112 of the second fluid supply controlvalve 102. Such a state may be used when one of the inflatable chamberswhich is in communication with the control valve 140 is to be inflatedand one of the inflatable chambers which is in communication with thesecond control valve 160 is to be inflated at the same time.

Seat adjusting devices according to embodiments have been described.Other configurations may be implemented in other embodiments. Forillustration, while electromagnetic actuators having a solenoid and abias spring have been described, other electromagnetic actuators may beused.

The seat adjusting devices of embodiments include a valve module thathas a modular configuration which allows different types of valves to becombined in a flexible manner. While a valve module including two4/4-way control valves has been described, the valve module may combineat least one 4/4-way control valve with other types of valves.

Additional elements or features may be used in seat adjusting devices ofembodiments. For illustration, noise damper elements may be integratedinto the housing of the valve module. While a valve module havingintegrated pressure sensors has been described, the pressure sensor(s)may also be omitted from the valve module and/or may be providedseparately.

While embodiments have been described in which a 4/4-way control valveincludes two different displaceable elements which are independentlycontrolled by two separate solenoids, other configurations for the4/4-way control valve may be used in other embodiments. Forillustration, there may be only one displaceable element which isdisplaced to four different positions to implement 4/4-way control valveoperation. For further illustration, while embodiments have beendescribed in detail in which the 4/4-way valve is formed as an integralunit, a 4/4-way valve functionality can also be realized byappropriately combining other valves such that the resultant controlvalve has four ports and four working positions.

While exemplary embodiments have been described in which a valve modulemay include two or more 4/4-way control valves, the valve module mayinclude only one 4/4-way control valve. A pressure fluid source may beconnected through a check valve to one of the ports of the 4/4-waycontrol valve. Another port may be connected to an inflatable chamber.The check valve may also be integrated into a port of the 4/4-waycontrol valve.

While exemplary embodiments have been described in the context of lumbarsupport adjustment and side support adjustment, embodiments may also beconfigured to only provide lumbar support adjustment or to only provideside support adjustment or to provide still other kinds of seatadjustment. For illustration, in other embodiments, pneumatic massageunits may alternatively or additionally also be controlled using a4/4-way control valve.

Various effects can be attained using seat adjusting devices ofembodiments. For illustration, a total of four inflatable fluid chamberscan be controlled using two 4/4-way control valves. The states of up tofour inflatable chambers may be mapped with memory or without memory. Noenergy needs to be supplied to the 4/4-way control valves as long as noinflation or deflation operation takes place. Fluid exchange betweeninflatable chambers may be suppressed when using different 4/4-waycontrol valves to inflate or deflate two different side support chambersor other inflatable chambers.

Embodiments of the invention may be used to supply fluid to varioustypes of support bladders in a wide variety of seats. The embodimentsmay in particular be used for seat adjustment of vehicle seats, such asautomotive vehicle seats, without being limited thereto.

1. A seat adjusting device comprising: a plurality of inflatablechambers including a first inflatable chamber and a second inflatablechamber; and a valve module in communication with the plurality ofinflatable chambers, the valve module comprising a control valve,wherein the control valve is a 4/4-way valve having four ports and fourpositions, and wherein a first port of the control valve is incommunication with the first inflatable chamber and a second port of thecontrol valve is in communication with the second inflatable chamber. 2.The seat adjusting device of claim 1, wherein the control valve includesan internal channel and a first solenoid, the control valve configuredsuch that the internal channel is in communication with the first portwhen the first solenoid is deenergized and the internal channel is incommunication with the second port when the first solenoid is energized.3. The seat adjusting device of claim 2, wherein the control valveincludes a second solenoid, the control valve being configured such thatthe internal channel is in communication with a third port of thecontrol valve when the second solenoid is deenergized and the internalchannel is in communication with a fourth port of the control valve whenthe second solenoid is energized.
 4. The seat adjusting device of claim3, wherein the third port is in communication with a fluid supplychannel and the fourth port is in communication with a fluid dischargechannel.
 5. The seat adjusting device of claim 4, wherein the fluidsupply channel and the fluid discharge channel are delimited by walls ofa housing of the valve module.
 6. The seat adjusting device of claim 4,further comprising a pressure fluid source coupled to the fluid supplychannel.
 7. The seat adjusting device of claim 6, wherein the valvemodule comprises a fluid supply control valve coupled to the fluidsupply channel.
 8. The seat adjusting device of claim 3, wherein thecontrol valve comprises a valve body around which both the firstsolenoid and the second solenoid are wound.
 9. The seat adjusting deviceof claim 2, wherein the valve module includes a housing having pluralwalls, and wherein the first port of the control valve is incommunication with a first connector and the second port of the controlvalve is in communication with a second connector, and further whereinthe first connector and the second connector are provided on the samewall of the housing.
 10. The seat adjusting device of claim 1, whereinone of the first inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber isa chamber of a lumbar support device, and wherein the other one of thefirst inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber is a chamberof a side support device.
 11. The seat adjusting device of claim 1,wherein the valve module comprises at least one further 4/4-way controlvalve.
 12. The seat adjusting device of claim 11, wherein the at leastone further 4/4-way control valve has a first port in communication withanother chamber of a lumbar support device and a second port incommunication with another chamber of a side support device.
 13. A seatcomprising: a seat adjusting device including at least one inflatablechamber, and a valve module in communication with the at least oneinflatable chamber, the valve module comprising a control valve, whereinthe control valve is a 4/4-way valve having four ports and fourpositions.
 14. A method of providing seat adjustment by controlling acontrol valve to selectively supply fluid to a plurality of inflatablechambers or to selectively discharge fluid from the plurality ofinflatable chambers, the method comprising: controlling the controlvalve, which is a 4/4-way valve having four ports and four positions,wherein a first port of the control valve is in communication with thefirst inflatable chamber and a second port of the control valve is incommunication with the second inflatable chamber.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the control valve has a first solenoid and a secondsolenoid, and wherein controlling the control valve includes selectivelyenergizing and deenergizing the first solenoid and/or the secondsolenoid to set the control valve to a desired one of the fourpositions.